Supreme Court Requests More Money for Security

On July 14, two Supreme Court justices from the United States went before Congress in favor of the Court's proposal for a higher budget that will seek to enhance security among judges and their family members. Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee; this marks the first time sitting justices from the Supreme Court have gone before Congress for purposes other than confirmation hearings since 2019. This happens at a time when threats to judges are increasing.

The Supreme Court wants its budget increased by 10% per year, and more than $14 million dollars have been requested by the Court to bolster its security efforts in particular.

Barrett Shares Personal Experience With Security Threats

Justice Amy Coney Barrett discussed the effects of the increasing attacks on judges personally. She shared that she had been provided with a bulletproof vest following the 2022 leaking of the draft decision that ultimately led to the reversal of Roe vs. Wade. Barrett also mentioned how she had had to make her daughter understand the scenario upon wearing the protective vest.

Moreover, Barrett stated that there has been a recent swatting on her house, where an emergency call has resulted in a massive police raid.

Threats Against Judges Continue to Rise

Justice Elena Kagan warned the legislators that the number of threats against judges has only continued to grow. It is expected that threats will further increase by 38% this year following last year’s 25% increase in such incidents.

The Chief Justice John Roberts has also raised alarms about this increased hostility towards the judges, saying that it is dangerous to attack members of the judiciary in a personal manner. This issue received nationwide publicity when a man who had weapons was arrested near the residence of Justice Brett Kavanaugh following the leaking of the abortion ruling document.

Ethics Questions Also Remain in Focus

While the hearing was focused on issues related to the court's budget and security requirements, legislators also expressed their concerns regarding judicial ethics. Public trust in the Supreme Court is at an all-time low due to the various ethical issues that have plagued the court in recent years.

In 2023, the Supreme Court introduced the first formal code of ethics, although some people have accused the code of being weak and lacking an enforcement mechanism that is independent from the justices themselves. At the hearing, Justice Kagan expressed her willingness to consider increasing oversight of judicial ethics.

Some of the ethical issues recently plaguing the court include those involving Justice Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

Court Seeks Protection Amid Growing Public Scrutiny

Supreme Court cases involving abortion, the powers of the presidency, and federal regulations have been decided by the Court recently; this has made the Court very visible in the eyes of the American public and political community.

The justices pointed out that the requested money was meant for protecting the judges from any danger so they could perform their duties as per the Constitution without fear. The Congress would now take up the budget proposal of the Court.